PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 3

Question 1

In pediatric cardiac arrest, IO access should be considered when IV access cannot be established within:

Accepted Answer

1–2 minutes or after 2 failed IV attempts

Answer

IO access should be obtained if IV access is not established within 1–2 minutes or after two failed IV attempts.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Organized rhythm on monitor with no palpable pulse

Answer

PEA is defined as an organized (or semi-organized) cardiac rhythm on the monitor without a palpable pulse.

Question 3

A 6-year-old is in cardiac arrest. High-quality CPR has been ongoing for 8 minutes. ETCO2 readings have been consistently below 10 mmHg. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

CPR quality is poor and cardiac output is low

Answer

ETCO2 below 10 mmHg during CPR suggests poor CPR quality or very low cardiac output.

Question 4

When should the rhythm check occur during the PALS cardiac arrest algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Every 2 minutes after each CPR cycle

Answer

Rhythm checks should occur every 2 minutes, coinciding with the end of each CPR cycle to minimize interruptions.

Question 5

Which reversible cause of pediatric cardiac arrest is represented by the 'T' for Tension pneumothorax in the H's and T's?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax is a reversible cause identified in the H's and T's mnemonic and is treated with needle decompression.

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Practice Test

PALS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 3